Schmitz Cargobull and the US trailer manufacturer Utility Trailer Manufacturer Company LLC have founded a joint venture - "Cargobull North America" (CBNA). As a first step, the partners have developed two transport refrigeration units (TRUs), based on the Schmitz Cargobull S.CU. The 625 Hybrid and 655 MT (Multi Temp) are specially designed to meet the strict emissions requirements of California. The units come equipped with Schmitz Cargobull’s TrailerConnect telematics system, which is exclusively installed in Utility Trailer's refrigerated trailers.
The new company and the two transport refrigeration units for the North American market will make their debut at "IFDA Distribution Solutions 2023", from September, 11-13, in Fort Worth, Texas (USA). Major American retailer Kroger will be CBNA’s first customer, starting with refrigerated trailers from Utility Trailer's 3000R series and the 625 Hybrid and 655 MT (MultiTemp) Hybrid transport refrigeration machines.
"This joint venture gives us access to the American market and is an important step for the growth of Schmitz Cargobull," says Andreas Schmitz, CEO of Schmitz Cargobull AG. "We are pleased to be working with Utility Trailer, the US-market leader in temperature-controlled transport vehicles. We are convinced that Cargobull North America will create real added value for our new American customers as well as customers worldwide. The same units will eventually become available in other markets, including Germany and Europe. By pooling our resources and expertise we can continue our technology leadership on Transport Refrigeration Units (TRU) and Telematics.”
“Our joint venture with Cargobull further positions Utility Trailer as a global leader in sustainability, fuel efficiency, and emission reduction,” Utility Trailer President and CEO Jeff Bennett said. “We don’t just want to be the biggest, but also the best, holistic destination for everything reefer customers need, from strong and lightweight boxes to energy-efficient TRUs and high-tech telematics – all in one trailer.”
CBNA’s first offering includes two energy-efficient transport refrigeration machines. The 625 Hybrid and 655 MT (MultiTemp) Hybrid models are specifically designed to meet the demanding requirements of North American refrigerated freight haulers. Both refrigeration machines are equipped with a common rail diesel engine and a hybrid-power-trail. They even meet the stringent emissions requirements of the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The next step will be the introduction of fully electric, TÜV-homologated models with battery-powered recuperation axle – which are already being successfully used in Europe.
With the Schmitz Cargobull TrailerConnect telematics system, CBNA is entering the North American market with the most advanced offering available. The system allows customers to monitor and control the temperature, fuel consumption, vehicle position and other important parameters of their refrigerated vehicles in real time. The advanced telematics unit with LTE communications and global roaming is integrated as standard on every TRU from CBNA.
The technology enables a state-of-the-art front end and the use of mobile applications for iOS and Android smartphones from drivers to dispatchers to fleet owners. As an open system with extensive cyber security, it gives customers the choice of how they want to utilize their data. From ERP systems to truck telematics to third-party providers or even their transportation management systems, the customer is a data owner and can choose to route their data via a simple API. In addition, telematics offers monitoring of the premium ABS modulators with all fault codes, tire pressure, door status and predictive maintenance, as well as intelligent remote control of the CBNA refrigeration unit.
